Community Calendar

The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present Xaviera Simmons: Figure Eleven, a major solo exhibition bringing together recent works in photography, painting, video, and the world premiere of a new body of bronze sculptures by one of the most bold and visionary artists of our time.

Simmons’ practice is deeply rooted in art history, both through deliberate assertion and continuous engagement, drawing on references that span from antiquity and the American landscape to contemporary media. Her work unfolds through a cinematic sensibility, where narrative, movement, and stillness intersect. This is evident in her photographic series such as American Book Covers and Sundown, in her monumental text paintings, and now in this new body of bronze sculptures.

Performance, choreography, and the sensual are integral to Simmons’ artistic language. In this recent sculptural work, these elements coalesce into forms that feel both classical and contemporary. As with much of her practice, Figure Eleven situates art history within an ongoing continuum, like a film that resists final resolution.

The sculptures recall the Venus of Willendorf and Venus de Milo while simultaneously reflecting the multiplicity of contemporary bodies and motifs. Their power lies in their capacity to collapse and reconcile distinct historical and cultural narratives. The figures embody a poised stillness that resonates with the language of movement and performance. Figure Eleven, both the exhibition’s title and the newest figurative sculpture, appears as if drawn from a film still, a moment suspended between gesture and permanence.

In 2017 Word's Worth launched its inaugural Writer's 12-Step Program: Write Your Novel Draft in a Year led by local novelist Katrina Kittle, and our ninth offering begins in January 2026. In this class a community of writers all endeavor to complete the first draft of a novel in one year's time. If you've ever tried National Novel Writing Month, this is the same idea, but this plan is a little more sustainable and doable with the rest of your life's obligations.

This community meets together on Zoom from 6:30-8:30 PM on the second Tuesday of each month from January 2026 to December 2026. In between sessions you'll be connected through a private Facebook group where you'll receive a weekly "check-in" with instructor Katrina Kittle as well as receive motivational and accountability posts, assignments, and guidance along the way. Instead of simply saying, "By this time next year I'll have my book done," this program will give you a game plan, frequent deadlines, check points, craft lessons, and the collective creative energy of other kindred spirits attempting the same goal. This program is for any FICTION writer ready to truly commit to their work.

ANY genre of fiction is welcome. Memoir writers seeking this kind of community and accountability are welcome, but please understand that the instructional focus will be on the craft of fiction (but creative nonfiction writers use these same techniques) Each month will have a focus (although material will change based on the individual needs of group members). (Suggested ages 18 and up)

For more information about the instructor or class content, please go to www.katrinakittle.com For information about registration or other Word's Worth classes, please go to www.wordsworthdayton.com

Real Estate: A Celebration of ATLAS - the 11 Year and 10 Month Anniversary Tour
w/ fantasy of a broken heart
Tuesday, January 13
Doors at 6:30PM, Show at 7:30PM
Ages 16+
(Under 16 are allowed w/ a paid ticket and accompanied by a legal guardian.)

* $2 off any sandwich across the street at MOTR on day of show with proof of purchase *

Parking Info: Click Here

About Atlas by Real Estate:

Atlas was a pretty big record for us, and chances are if you’re reading this, it’s a pretty big record for you too. Nobody ever said, “I love Real Estate, but I hate their third LP, Atlas.” And if they did say that, they never said it anywhere around us - and we read everything you guys write on the internet; some of it can get pretty weird. And so, on this momentous occasion, we will be bringing A CELEBRATION OF ATLAS to a city near you, to honor its 11 year and 7 month anniversary. We’ll be playing almost the entire album in its entirety (basically) and other lesser known tunes from the Atlas era. We’ll also be playing a selection of our greatest hits, because we know you love those too. Please come and celebrate with us - we can’t wait to see you.

Get ready for your weekly refill of music during Tuesday Open Mic Night at Peach's Grill with host Kyleen Downes.

All styles and experience levels are welcome to our music community.

Enjoy our Happy Hour specials from 4pm-8pm, then get ready for the hot mic of artists.

To view the schedule of artists, register to perform, and watch recent open mic YouTube sessions, visit the link below:
https://www.peachsgrill.com/open-mic-night

Yellow Cab Tavern Karaoke is BACK every Tuesday at 8pm with MC Zane Gerlach!

Entry is always free!

With a catalog of over 60,000 songs, we have your favorites to sing...and if we don't, we'll do everything we can to get it for you!

Get your friends and family together and we'll see you on Tuesday nights at The Yellow Cab Tavern!

In Small Measure is our inaugural fundraising exhibition where we ask participants to create a postcard sized work of art, donate it to us, and in exchange, it will be included in an exhibition on February 13-14, 2026 at The Contemporary Dayton, Dayton, Ohio’s contemporary art center.

Submission Deadline (Postmark): Feb 1, 2026

In-Person Drop-Off Deadline: Feb 4, 2026

Exhibition Dates: Feb 13-14, 2026

The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present Xaviera Simmons: Figure Eleven, a major solo exhibition bringing together recent works in photography, painting, video, and the world premiere of a new body of bronze sculptures by one of the most bold and visionary artists of our time.

Simmons’ practice is deeply rooted in art history, both through deliberate assertion and continuous engagement, drawing on references that span from antiquity and the American landscape to contemporary media. Her work unfolds through a cinematic sensibility, where narrative, movement, and stillness intersect. This is evident in her photographic series such as American Book Covers and Sundown, in her monumental text paintings, and now in this new body of bronze sculptures.

Performance, choreography, and the sensual are integral to Simmons’ artistic language. In this recent sculptural work, these elements coalesce into forms that feel both classical and contemporary. As with much of her practice, Figure Eleven situates art history within an ongoing continuum, like a film that resists final resolution.

The sculptures recall the Venus of Willendorf and Venus de Milo while simultaneously reflecting the multiplicity of contemporary bodies and motifs. Their power lies in their capacity to collapse and reconcile distinct historical and cultural narratives. The figures embody a poised stillness that resonates with the language of movement and performance. Figure Eleven, both the exhibition’s title and the newest figurative sculpture, appears as if drawn from a film still, a moment suspended between gesture and permanence.

We’re hosting a Spoken Word and Open Mic Night at Tuck-N-Reds in Yellow Springs! This is a family-friendly event, and we’re working to build a supportive community of local musicians, poets, comedians, and performers of all kinds. Everyone is welcome—whether you’re a seasoned artist or stepping on stage for the first time, we invite you to come share your voice. Sign up by texting (937)460-8582

Open Mic nights on 2nd And 4th Wednesday
Poetry/Spoken Word Night on 1st & 3rd Wednesday
Beginning At 7

In Small Measure is our inaugural fundraising exhibition where we ask participants to create a postcard sized work of art, donate it to us, and in exchange, it will be included in an exhibition on February 13-14, 2026 at The Contemporary Dayton, Dayton, Ohio’s contemporary art center.

Submission Deadline (Postmark): Feb 1, 2026

In-Person Drop-Off Deadline: Feb 4, 2026

Exhibition Dates: Feb 13-14, 2026